Josephine County, OR Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Park leash limit
- Six feet maximum
- Off-leash exception
- Designated dog parks only, controlled
- Countywide at-large basis
- Impoundment, § 6.05.230(A)
- Permit holders
- At-large dog treated as unlicensed
- Enforcing agency
- Parks Enforcement Officers; Animal Control
Summary
In Josephine County parks, dogs and other animals cannot run unrestrained; a leash longer than six feet is also a violation under § 12.05.120(A). Elsewhere in unincorporated Josephine County, a dog found unaccompanied on public property can be impounded as an at-large animal.
It is unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts in any park: A. To allow an animal to run unrestrained or on a leash that is more than six feet long;
Full Breakdown
' The same section separately bars leaving a dog unattended or uncontrolled even in a designated off-leash dog park, tethering animals to trees or structures, and allowing an animal to threaten, molest, or attack any person. 180), are punishable by state-set unclassified-violation fines, and a corporation's fine is doubled. 230(A) directs Animal Control to impound dogs considered traffic hazards or found on public property, in addition to unlicensed adult dogs. 050 treats a dog that 'runs at large (out of control of its owner)' as an unlicensed dog, subjecting it to the same fines and licensing requirements, and can disqualify the permit from renewal or trigger revocation. 230(B)).
Violations & Fines
Letting an animal run unrestrained, or on a leash over six feet, in a Josephine County park is a violation subject to state unclassified-violation fines, doubled for a corporation (§ 12.05.180). Outside parks, a dog found on public property or ruled a traffic hazard is impounded under § 6.05.230(A) and treated as unlicensed, adding license, redemption, and impound fees before it can be reclaimed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog's leash be in a Josephine County park?
Is there a general leash law outside county parks?
What happens if a permitted kennel dog gets loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Josephine County
Compare Josephine County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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